What scholarships are available?

The LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarship is named after former WICPA Executive Director LeRoy C. Schmidt, CPA, who was Executive Director from 1990-2006, passionately promoted the accounting profession, and was actively involved in the 150-hour legislative process.

The Elizabeth Peters Memorial Scholarship is named after Elizabeth Peters, CPA, who began her career as a staff accountant with Wipfli, Ulrich & Co. in 1949, at a time when major CPA firms were not hiring women. In 1961, she became the first woman in Wisconsin to be elected as Partner in a CPA firm.

The Von Haden Memorial Scholarship is named after Terry Von Haden, CPA, co-founder of the accounting firm of Suby, Von Haden & Associates, S.C. He had a 45-year career that included devoting his life to the CPA profession, his clients and to those he mentored.

What is the difference between the scholarships?

The LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to multiple qualified applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate academic achievement, volunteering activities, and provide supporting documentation via a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

The $2,500 Elizabeth Peters Memorial Scholarship has the same criteria as the LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarship, but is exclusive to only one recipient, who, if selected, may also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Wipfli LLP.

The $2,500 Von Haden Memorial Scholarship has the same criteria as the LeRoy C. Schmidt 150-Hour Scholarship, but is exclusive to only one recipient selected by the Von Haden family, who, if selected, may also have the opportunity to meet with the family.

Can I apply for all three scholarships?

Yes, applicants who meet the application criteria may apply for all of the scholarships.

When is the application period?

Applications for the 2020 scholarships will be accepted until Feb. 28.

What are the education requirements to apply?

Scholarships are awarded to qualified accounting students in their last year of academic study who: 1) have full-time student status with a GPA of 3.0 or higher at a college or university with an accounting program that qualifies to sit for the CPA Exam; 2) have completed 120 credit hours of a degree program that qualifies the applicant to sit for the CPA Exam but have not yet completed the 150-hour requirement; 3) are working towards the 150-hour requirement; and 4) plan to apply for a Wisconsin CPA license.

Do my college transcripts need to be official?

No, however submitted transcripts should be printed from the college or university website and state the student's name.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

Two recommendation letters are needed: one from an accounting professor and one from a non-relative.

When are the scholarships awarded?

Scholarship recipients will be announced and notified in April, with scholarships distributed to recipients by September.

How are scholarships funded?

Scholarships are funded through the WICPA Educational Foundation's activities. Scholarships would not be possible without the donations and volunteer time of WICPA members and others who share in supporting the future of the profession.

The Wisconsin Institute of CPAs is the premier professional organization representing CPAs, accounting and business professionals in being mindful of the public interest. With more than 7,000 members in public accounting, business and industry, government, nonprofit and education, the WICPA serves the diverse needs of our members; enhances professional competency; promotes the value of members and the profession; advocates on behalf of the profession; and builds community among members.